It’s that time of year again. The leaves are beginning to fall, there’s a slight chill in the air and for the first time in months you’re considering putting the heating on.
For those of you who only like to drive your classic vehicle in the sunshine, now is the time to think about tucking it away for the winter. And there’s a number of steps you’ll need to take to ensure your car is kept safe and dry, and in tip-top condition between now and spring.
Give It A Clean
Let’s start with the basics. Water stains, tree sap or bird droppings left for weeks or months on your classic vehicle can cause damage to the exterior. That’s why it’s critical that you take the time to shampoo your car before storing it. Autoglym bodywork shampoo conditioner is sufficient for this job, and if you require additional peace of mind, you could finish it with an extra protection gloss or wax. Removing dirt from the underbody is important too. Remember, dirt holds moisture which in turn can cause rust – a true enemy of any classic car. Finally, give the interior a good overhaul using an Autoglym interior cleaner and use a hand held hoover suck up any crumbs. Critters find ways of sneaking into stored cars in search for leftover food, which won’t be a welcome surprise once you’re ready to drive again. Skipping these steps will only put you at risk of needing restoration in a few months time, so make sure it’s prioritised!
Change The Oil
If you’re storing your vehicle for more than a week or two, it’s a good idea to change the oil beforehand. This prevents any contaminants in existing oil from causing corrosion, and will give you peace of mind that once spring arrives, your car will be good to go! Castrol provide a number of excellent classic engine oils that ensure your motor is protected from oxidisation and corrosion whether it’s running or resting in your garage.
Avoid Flat Spots
So often, classic car owners forget to see to their tyres before storing a car for winter. But this is a mistake because tyres left unused are prone to developing flat spots. Flat spots occur when a car has been left stationary and are particularly prone to occurring in cold temperatures. While most flat spots resolve themselves after a few minutes driving, sometimes they can become a permanent feature on the tyre rendering it unusable. To prevent this, we recommend you use a tyre trainer which not only helps to prevent flat spots but reduces the potential for cracks too.
Keep It Covered
Whether you’re storing your classic vehicle inside a garage or out on the driveway, you need to keep it covered. A lightweight and breathable cover will protect your car from the elements, as well as bird droppings, tree sap and knocks. What makes the covers available at Holden Vintage & Classic particularly effective is that they can be placed on a wet or dry car, and still allows water to evaporate. For a car stored indoors, you can purchase a semi fitted cover or cair-o-port indoor storage solution to protect it from dust, scratches and corrosive damage.
If you’d like to talk to one of the team about further ways you can protect your car whilst it’s in storage, or discuss the best products for your vehicle, you can call us on 01885 488 488.
